This means two things, 1) Dry January is well and truly over *raises one of those glasses which effortlessly holds an entire bottle of wine* and 2) the countdown is now on for half term. Is it a coincidence that these two events coincide? We think not… the former certainly helps with the latter, however we should warn you that this is only a temporary fix, which is why we’ve dedicated this month’s blog to surviving half term.

We know as well as anyone how tiresome the thought alone of entertaining the whole family for seven days straight can be, forget actually achieving it, so let us do the hard work for you as we walk you through some of our favourite activities, eateries , events and places to stay this half term…

Good Grub and Plenty of Pubs!!

Infamously known for its tropical climates, planning any outdoor activities in advance in the lake district can seem ludicrous, however we like to think we’ve found the solution… The promise of a British country pub at the end, with roaring fires for the dogs, hearty pies for the foodies and plenty of ale for parents, is enough to bait the whole family. Throw in a pool table or even that magic word (WiFi) and we’re really onto a winner! On our very own doorstep sits the Old Man of Coniston in, you guessed it, Coniston (25 minute drive, 9 miles from Graythwaite Estate). This walk can very easily be scaled to meet the abilities (patience and will power) of your group, with options to start from Coniston Village or closer to the top from the free Walna Scar Road car park (if you are starting from the bottom the school in the village offers very cheap day parking and all monies go to a good cause!).

You can make the hike as long or as short as you wish, scaling the full four peaks in the horseshoe or just nipping up the Old Man and back. Along the way there are three tarns to admire, as well as panoramic views across to Lake Coniston and Windermere and as far as the Isle of Man on a fine day from the top!

For a shorter but still picturesque walk we can recommend the family favourite Tarn Hows on the other side of the village. The ducks and cows provide excellent entertainment for little legs. 

This website has lots of useful details https://www.lakeswalks.co.uk/walks/old_man_of_coniston/and we highly recommend our godsend, the app Lake District Maps Offline which is an interactive OS map with GPS showing your live location (very useful for times when you don’t want to ask for directions or wish to settle a navigational family dispute). 

Back at the bottom you have the choice of three cracking pubs! The first (the one to go to for the shortest walk back) being the Sun Inn above Coniston. As suggested by the name The Sun Inn overlooks the picturesque village of Coniston. An excellent pub with lots of character including stone walls, oak beams and a bar made from local slate. Dogs are welcome and there’s a pool room for those requiring extra entertainment. Pub grub is a plenty, we recommend the pies! And for those interested in their history there’s a newly built Boat Room which shows the Sun’s association with Donald Campbell and his attempts to break the speed record on Lake Coniston. Back down in the village lies The Black Bull Hotel. Having been in Bradley family for the past 40 years it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing and are a hit with us locals! Log burner, tick, dogs welcome, tick! For the Real Ale enthusiasts, The Coniston Brewing Co. opened and started supplying their Real Ales in 1995 and is run by Ian, the Bradley’s son and his team. Last but not least there’s an old faithful Robbie’s situated directly across from the Black Bull in the centre of the village. So should things be a little tense after dragging certain family members up a fell you can sit and lovingly admire them from the peace and quiet of the opposing beer garden.  

For more local walks, suitable for little legs, see our blog https://graythwaite.com/5-of-the-best-lake-district-walks/ 

I’d rather be inside!

If you love to be outdoors but detest the thought of exerting yourself and your family up a hill then fear not, we have alternatives for you! Whilst the promise of pub grub and cosy fires may not have convinced you to hike up a hill, there are plenty of hill free options on Graythwaite’s door step too! 

For those of you hoping to achieve a full day of activity with minimum effort may we suggest Grizedale? Grizedale Forrest sits behind Graythwaite Estate (23 minute drive, 7 miles) and in all honesty could entertain the whole party for a week with ease! Mountain biking and the adrenaline inducing Go Ape are the well-known favourites but throughout half term they have some specials lined up too! Stargazing on 14^th, 15^th& 28^thFebruary (booking essential)as well as the new interactive Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon glow trail. Turn up at the visitor centre or have a look online to find out about the bike trails, bike hire, walking trails, play area, café and picnic area all available here. Oh, and dogs are welcome too! 

Should the unpredictable Windermere weather still be planting seeds of doubt don’t despair, we have indoor activities in Cumbria too! The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is what it says on the tin and we would argue the most picturesque theatre we’ve ever seen. Even if you avoid the outdoors like the plague, you’ll struggle to resist stretching your legs along the shoreline of Derwentwater. Throughout half term Theatre by the Lake have a selection of shows on for the whole family to enjoy. Why not make a day of it and explore Keswick? As well as multiple fells and lakes this market town boasts a delightful collection of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops, most of which are dog friendly. On Thursdays and Saturdays, the main street is filled with the local market, flogging everything from food to frisbees! For mountain biking enthusiasts Whinlatter forest is next door, so if you’ve got a mixed group you can split off and find something everyone enjoys. 

A full day out!

If you’re looking for something indoors a little closer to Graythwaite Estate, then we can whole heartedly recommend Brockhole just across the lake. There’s no shortage of fun and games for everyone at this Lake District National Park Authority run attraction. And what’s more, all profits go towards keeping it special for future generations, so that’s your good deed of the day done!  From 14^thFebruary they have the free Art Exhibition: Landscape and Language Lost and Found, a celebration to mark the 85^th birthday of landscape charity Friends of the Lake District. 

For those of you thinking Art Shmart my kids will never stand still long enough for me brush their hair let alone appreciate some (no doubt expensive) art…how about something a little more hands-on? From 15^th– 22^ndFebruary there’s midday Craft Activities for Families. Create a Brilliant Bug Hotel for just £5.00 per child.

Fill the whole day with mini golf, tree top nets, soft play, the cafe and gift store and save yourself from  having to load everyone in and out of the car again jumping from one destination to the next!

If you’re looking for a one stop shop for a fun filled day out then look no further. 

Another half term haven you can enjoy without breaking the budget is the newly re-opened Windermere Jetty! Throughout half term they have a variety of events from water babies (don’t worry, you don’t have to actually get in the water and get the children back out!) 9.30-10.30 on Wednesdays for U5sto Model Boat Club meet up on the designated model boat pond on Mondays and Thursdays. On Saturday 14^th& 28^th7-12 year olds canjoin the STEAM Squad exploring science, technology, creativity and innovation in the natural world. £5.00 per child. 

Or, our personal favourite, save loading anyone into the car at all and embrace our Graythwaite motto, Escape, Experience, Explore, with a fun filled weekend at Graythwaite Estate. 

Half term… but Graythwaite style…

At Graythwaite our aim is to give families and friends a destination that offers it all in one place, and we’re working hard to get there!

Let’s start with the escape; sometimes you just need to! A change of scenery, country air in your lungs and mud on your boots (let’s not worry about the muddy footprints that ensue, it’s not your floor after all, it’s ours!). Come on, imagine it… the breeze in your hair, the scent of the great outdoors all around you, the view from the top with nothing but fells and lakes for miles. That moment where you feel like the only person in the world. It’s breathtaking. Yes, there may be some less desirable scents as you pass the fields of livestock and sweat may trickle down your back as you curse yourself for scrambling up a Wainwright, lost for breathe, all in the name of sodding wellness, but we guarantee you’ll feel better for it! What about the children you ask? Well, Graythwaite Estate stretches a whole 5,000 acres so there is no shortage of lake fronts and wooded fells to explore and thanks to the Estate being private you are unlikely to be either seen or heard by anyone, let alone given judging looks, when your darling children instigate WWIII after little Jimmy launched a stick into Karen’s head Mum, Dad,  it was an accident I swear…   check out our Estate walks here.

As much as we may jest there really is nothing quite like getting back to nature with the whole family. Escaping the world of LED screens, Netflix and fighting over iPad chargers, trading them instead for imaginary stick sword fights, puddles that transpire to be far deeper than bargained for and those (not so) dulcet tones conversing through bahs and moos with the locals. We know how important those stolen moments are, which is why we are always working hard to develop our explore element at Graythwaite Estate. Which is where Graythwaite Adventure comes in…

No one does fun quite like the GA team! Their tuition and customer service are second to none, they make everything feel like fun, even the boring safety bits, and guarantee smiles all round whatever the weather!! Being a family run business, they know the importance of making everyone feel included and offer almost every activity to all ages, or at the very least an element of joining in. No one gets left behind. No matter how much they may want to be (with that sodding iPad). Family favourites include 4×4 off-roading (with an instructor to keep the back-seat drivers at bay), clay pigeon shooting (to let off some half term steam), archery and family bushcraft (to prepare the children for when you leave them* on the lakeside road in favour of driving back down the M6 in peace. *Please note this is a joke and we do not condone leaving your children unsupervised at Graythwaite, we have our own to deal with!). On a serious note, it’s really no surprise that Graythwaite Adventure were awarded Cumbria Tourism Experience of the Year 2019. Don’t just take our word for it; 

Get in touch with the team today to book anything from an hour tuition to an action filled day on the land and lake! 

And we fully appreciate the beauty of a holiday is the removal of chores, that’s why we’ve roped in the delicious Dude’s Dough to serve you fresh Neapolitan pizza’s on Thursdays & Saturdays through half term! For the rest of the week enjoy a homemade meal from the Farm Shop, supplied by local eatery Hazelmere or pop to one of our favourite locals. And at the end of the day, if you’re all still talking, we recommend sinking into the sofa in front of a roaring fire with a film and some homemade popcorn drizzled with Hawkshead Relish Sauce available from the farm shop, a shameless plug we know, but it’s all in the name of convenience.

Have we sold you yet? Good! We have a handful of cottages still available and have detailed them below. For last minute rates, to book or for any more information just give us a call on 015395 31248 or email estate@graythwaite.com.   

We hope this read has made the thought of half term slightly less daunting and provided plenty of inspiration, or at the very least brought a smirk or two to your face!

For more information about any of the offerings or last minute availability at Graythwaite please don’t hesitate to get in touch either by phone 015395 31248 or email estate@graythwaite.com!

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History of Graythwaite

The Sandys family have lived on the estate for some 500 years since Graythwaite Hall was built in the 16th Century.

With historical gardens that were originally designed by Thomas Mawson in 1889, the gardens today follow a similar design of his to keep the tradition going. The colourful, enchanting gardens are open from April – August each year for the public to walk around and feel at peace with nature.

In 1980 the family developed the home farm complex into spectacular holiday homes and have been adding to the portfolio ever since.

Walks Around Graythwaite

With over 5,000 acres to explore the family have a picked a few of their favourite walks on the estate for everyone to explore and enjoy the picturesque views first hand.

Fishery Walk

One of the family’s favourite walks is the scenic walk around the 2.5 acre fishery located up the road from home farm complex.

This walk is approximately one mile and is a very tranquil and relaxing walk. Seeing squirrels, jumping fish and perhaps a deer along the way, this walk is not one to be missed during your stay on the estate or in the Lake District.

Leaving the Home Farm complex turn right at the end of the lane and head up the road (towards Keepers Cottage) and follow the road to the right. The Tarn will appear on your left and you can follow the tarn round clockwise or anti-clockwise. There are benches along the way for you to have a seat and take in your serene surroundings.

The Lake walk to Grubbins Point

Grubbins Point sits on the edge of Lake Windermere and has panoramic view of the lake. The walk is approximately one and a half miles long but is filled with breath taking views.

For the walk to Grubbins Point, Follow the track Sign posted ‘Hullett Hall’ in an easterly direction. The steep track will take you down to Grubbins point.

Occasionally there are private events held at Grubbins Point and therefore isn’t available to access all the time. Please contact the office on 01539531248 to check Grubbins is open to general public.

Garden Walk

A final family favourite is a walk around the gardens. The garden walk is an all time favourite due to it being so peaceful during the summer months. The Garden walk is less than a mile long so is perfect for anyone not wanting to cover much distance.

The gardens were created by Thomas Mawson and stay true to his concept of formal and informal planting set in woodland.

The gardens are open to the public between April and August. Entry is permitted by the use of an honesty box system where all money received goes back to the maintenance of the fantastic gardens.

Holiday Cottages

Whether you want a quiet get away or a family holiday we can cater to your every need on the estate with our properties sleeping between 2 – 18 guests.

To help you choose the perfect property for you to stay in whilst visiting the estate we have picked a few of our favourite houses.

Silverholme Manor

Sleeping up to 18 guests Silverholme Manor is an elegant manor house bursting with periodic character along with having all the modern luxuries. Silverholme Manor is the perfect destination for any occasion from a family holiday, to a wedding or even a weekend retreat!

Contact Us here for more information.

Hazelseat House

Hazelseat House is a large modern house that sits detached in an idyllic location for a countryside getaway. With a large kitchen diner perfect for spending time with loved ones whilst cooking or having a catch up over a wholesome meal, spacious living areas and a bubbling hot tub to sit back and relax.

Hazelseat has been recently refurbished to an extremely high standard to give guests the luxury stay they deserve.

Keepers Cottage

This perfectly renovated cottage was formally home to the head game keeper and sits in a wooded area with serene views of the estates fishery. Keepers Cottage sleeps up to 10 guests, with the open living areas the house is perfect for quality time away with your loved ones.

With a well-equipped kitchen, a cosy living area and endless amounts of walks and activities to do on the doorstep, whilst enjoying tranquil views of Graythwaite Fishery out of your bedroom window. Keepers is the ideal cottage for a memorable stay.

Cunsey Lodge

Set just meters away from the shores of Lake Windermere, Cunsey Lodge offers luxury accommodation for up to 8 guests. With four bedrooms (each with its own en-suite) and open plan living areas on the ground floor, the house is perfectly laid out and designed for spending quality time with your loved ones.

Whilst staying on the estate all our guests are free to roam the grounds and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

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Blea Tarn

Nestled away in the hamlet of Little Langdale Blea Tarn is a picturesque location with backdrop views of the Langdale Pikes. Blea Tarn is a fantastic, inclusive, short walk for the whole family therefore making it our favourite walk.

Distance: 1.9 miles approximately

Location: Little Langdale

More information: National Trust – Sticklebarn Blea Tarn Trail

Rydal Caves

Rydal is a small village located in the middle of Ambleside and Grasmere. Rydal is also home to Rydal water and Loughrigg Fell.

Rydal Caves can be reached by taking any of the four paths up Loughrigg fell with each path giving a different view.

The entrance to the caves is a shallow pool of water with stepping stones across the water to enter the caves. The perfect opportunity for children of all ages to make a splash, be sure to don your waterproof shoes!

Distance: 3 miles approximately

Location: Rydal

More Information: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_146.html

Gummers Howe

Situated at the South of Windermere, just above Fell Foot, this is a short but steep walk with a very rewarding view at the top. Perhaps we’re bias as you can see all of Graythwaite Estate from up there!

With a rough terrain this walk may not be suitable for everyone in the family but is a brilliant way to burn the energy of the younger members as it is a short challenging walk.

Located just off the A592 Gummers Howe looks over the whole of Windermere.

Distance: 1.4 miles

Location: just of the A592

More Information: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_206.html

Tarn Hows

Located near the popular village of Coniston, Tarn Hows is a beautiful, easy walk for the whole family. Doing a soft loop of the tarn, the walk is perfect for the whole family as it has easy access around the whole walk. We would recommend calling in to Hawkshead for a delicious ice cream from the little ice cream shop!

Distance: 6.2 miles

Location: Coniston

More Information: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_80.html

Striding Edge

A walk for the more experienced walkers, Striding Edge is a more challenging walk up Helvellyn. With a steep narrow ridge it has a reputation of being difficult and thrilling so is perfect for anyone who is looking for a challenge.

Distance: 8.7 miles

Location: Glenridding

More Information: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_41.html

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Ambleside Lights Switch on

A fun filled day to keep the little ones entertained with a special Santa cruise on Lake Windermere, stalls with good quality food, crafts and souvenirs, a lantern Procession and finally, a fireworks display to end the day!

Ambleside light switch on is a fun filled day for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit.

Date: 17^th November 2018

Location: Ambleside

More Information: http://www.amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk/docs/programme-map2018.pdf

The Swan Christmas Markets and Grotto

Located just 10 minutes down the road from Graythwaite, The Swan Hotel have put together Christmas markets and Santa’s grotto. This one is perfect for entertaining the whole family with artisan stalls to wander round whilst the little ones meet Santa!

Date: 18^th November 2018

Location: The Swan Hotel

More Information: https://www.swanhotel.com/christmas/

Dickensian Festival

Attracting thousands of people each year, Ulverston Dickensian festival is not to be missed.

Celebrating the tradition of a market town in the Dickensian era, the festival is one for the whole family, it has everything from traditional stalls on the cobbled streets to the fun fair with lots of quality food and drink around the town.

Date: 24^th & 25^th November 2018

Location: Ulverston

More Information: https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/ulverston-dickensian-festival-p803100

The Santa Express @ Hayes Garden World

This one is perfect for the little ones in the family.

Taking a trip to the north pole to meet Santa with lots of different activities along the way in the winter wonderland. Hayes garden world is located just 25 minutes from Graythwaite so is a perfect way to keep the children entertained.

Date: 1^st – 23^rd December 2018

Location: Hayes Garden World

More Information: https://www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk/event/santa-express-hayes-garden-world

Windermere Christmas Celebration

Why not pop over to the other side of the lake for some Christmas fun and enjoy the local Christmas markets with local food, crafts and a Santa’s grotto. This is the perfect way to relax, get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the lake District.

Date: 8^th&9^th December 2018

Location: Windermere

More Information: http://windermerechristmas.co.uk/

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While there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fells and lakes, you may find that little legs struggle with the terrain so here are our recommendations for family-friendly activities for you to enjoy on your trip to the Lake District.

Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit’s creator was a neighbour of Graythwaite and claimed that Esthwaite inspired the setting for The Tale of Jeremy Fisher. You can explore Beatrix Potter’s house and garden at Hill Top in Sawrey or, if you find yourself on the other side of the lake, why not explore the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. There is a vibrant exhibition featuring Miss Tiggywinkle, Mr McGregor and many other favourites.

Treetop Nets

This is not to be missed! Imagine giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels – all made from netting – welcome to Treetop Nets!

Now picture this suspended up to 40ft off the ground and in the tree canopy of giant oak trees. Treetop Nets is a unique family experience, suitable for anyone 3yrs upwards, in a completely safe environment. Situated at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre also offers an adventure playground, boat hire, archery and much more.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle in Ambleside is a veritable king of castles: turrets, towers, period dressing-up, castle building room, hidden treasure to find, the new Peter Rabbit Adventure – and you can also arrive by boat! An excellent wet-weather option.

Predator Experience

Not for the faint-hearted! Predator Experience gives you the opportunity to find out more about, and get some hands-on experience with, wolves and birds of prey. Set within the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria, you can join a wolf pack wandering through the countryside or step inside a fox enclosure to watch how they interact with the wolves. Learn how to handle and fly an eagle, marvelling at the sight as it soars 500-1000 ft. above your head and take your hawk for a walk, watching it fly from tree to tree in a beautiful display of connection between nature and wildlife.

Lakes Aquarium

Just a ten minute drive from Graythwaite is the Lakes Aquarium.  More than 30 spectacular, naturally themed habitats show the diversity of life in the Lakes; see Lakeland’s menacing pike, eels, perch, char and many more.

Watch playful otters as they forage around in their specially designed woodland home and discover mammals from all around the world such as cheeky marmosets, menacing caiman and piranha. Walk through the incredible underwater tunnel to enjoy a fish eye view of our recreated Windermere lake bed.  You can also arrive at the Aquarium by boat or steam train.

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Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Esthwaite

Based on Graythwaite on the shores of Esthwaite Lake, CLA produce award-winning craft-brewed beers. Their beers are all produced with care and pride using the wonderful Lake District Fell water and the best of English malts, together with quality hops from around the world and can be found in many local pubs. In recent years they have even produced a limited edition Graythwaite Hall Ale.

cumbrianlegendaryales.com

The Honeypot, Hawkshead

A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, the Honeypot is your one-stop shop for sampling the delights of local food and drink producers. Owner Fiona takes great pride in sourcing and supporting small local producers, as a consequence the shop is bursting with top quality preserves, chutneys, dressings, oils, chorizo, salami, chilled and cooked meats, pies and pates, confectionery, ice cream, puddings, teas, coffees, biscuits, cakes, breads; not to mention over 40 varieties of cheese!

honeypothawkshead.com

Cartmel Valley Game Supplies & Smokehouse

Cartmel Valley Game currently supplies only the finest quality game, ranging from pheasants, grouse, partridge, venison, rabbits and hares to their unique beech flavoured smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked pigeon, smoked butter etc, all of which is cured and smoked on the premises. They can also supply locally picked Morecambe Bay shrimps, freshly caught Sea bass, Cumbrian crab and lobsters, all from the Irish Sea.

cartmelvalleygamesupplies.com

Hawkshead Relish Company, Hawkshead

Another Graythwaite-based producer, the Hawkshead Relish Company shop is based just around the corner from the Honeypot in the square in Hawkshead. The range of over 120 relishes, pickles and preserves are handmade in small batches using traditional open pans and locally sourced ingredients, without any artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives, all are free from nuts and gluten and suitable for vegetarians.

Holding 50 Great Taste Awards, the Hawkshead Relish Company has become known for quality and excellence. Their Sticky Toffee Sauce is not to be missed!

www.hawksheadrelish.com

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, Grasmere

Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854. A unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, its reputation quickly spread and it is now enjoyed by food lovers all over the world.

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop also sells its own award-winning rum butter and a variety of ginger-themed foodstuffs, as well as toffee, fudges, chocolates, conserves, Cartmel Village Store Sticky Toffee Sauce, Kendal Mint Cake, conserves, ginger beer, ginger themed gifts, and much, much more.

www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk

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Eltermere Inn, Elterwater

Nestling in the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, this is a great place to relax and enjoy some stunning Lakeland scenery.  There are several wonderful walks that you can enjoy near the Eltermere, including the Loughrigg terraces, Lingmoor Fell or Coniston Old Man.  There is a bar and a terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens where you can enjoy delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients.

www.eltermere.co.uk

Drunken Duck, Ambleside

So called because of the legend that the landlady in Victorian times found her ducks lying apparently dead in the road and so started to pluck them.  It turned out that a beer barrel in the cellar had broken and the beer had flowed into the ducks’ feeding ditch leaving them all drunk.  She felt so guilty about plucking her drunken ducks that she knitted them each a waistcoat to keep them warm until their feathers grew back. You can enjoy delicious food and a range of local beers here while enjoying the dramatic views over the fells.

drunkenduckinn.co.uk

Woolpack Inn, Hardknott

This family-friendly pub is in a truly wonderful location at the top of the stunning Eskdale Valley and at the foot of the road up to the infamous Hardknott Pass. The pub also takes pride in promoting local artists and so it is a great opportunity to absorb some local culture. Food here includes indulgent cakes and pastries, as well as wood-fired pizzas.

www.woolpack.co.uk

Mason’s Arms, Cartmell Fell

Overlooking the Winster Valley, the Mason’s is a quaint and delightful pub full of quirky furniture and roaring log fires.  There are also heated outdoor terraces so you can make the most of the views, regardless of how chilly it might get.  The food here really is delicious and the Mason’s Arms has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best dining pubs in the area.

www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk/masons

Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey

Within walking distance of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, this is a proper pub.  With log fires, good food and real ales (including many supplied by Cumbrian Legendary Ales and brewed on Graythwaite) this is an ideal spot to relax after exploring nearby Hawkshead.  You can also sit outside in the Cuckoo Brow’s garden and enjoy the views of the surrounding Fells.

www.cuckoobrow.co.uk

Punchbowl Inn,  Crosthwaite

Cited again and again as one of the best pubs in Cumbria, the Punchbowl deserves its reputation.  Lying in the heart of the unspoiled Lyth Valley, the Punchbowl combines the cosiness of a traditional pub with contemporary elegance and food of a very high standard. The menu is based on classic flavour combinations using modern techniques and is updated to meet seasonal availability.

www.the-punchbowl.co.uk

We hope that you find something that suits you from the list above and please, if you discover a gem of a pub do let us know!

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A keen botanist and talented artist, Potter was a widely respected mycologist before she published the Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, the success of which enabled her to buy Hill Top Farm in Sawrey. She went on in later life to marry a solicitor from Hawkshead and to become a prize-winning breeder of Herdwick sheep.

After her death in 1943, her substantial estate was left to the National Trust and she is credited with preserving much of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park.  To celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter, there will be numerous events taking place around the local area over the coming year, including tours of Hill Top, exhibitions and a children’s book festival at Wray Castle.

You can of course also explore the world of Beatrix Potter under your own steam, whether walking the shoreline at Derwent Water, home to Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggywinkle or enjoying a quiet pint at the Tower Bank Arms in Sawrey, as seen in Jemima Puddleduck.  You can also explore the woodlands on Graythwaite which provided the setting for the Fairy Caravan. Many things have changed in 150 years but the wildlife and landscape that Beatrix Potter so loved have not and we hope that you get as much pleasure from them as she did.

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